Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has recently been called up by Lionel Scaloni to be part of the Argentina squad ahead of the upcoming international break. Argentina play Paraguay and Peru in their next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Messi has decided to travel with La Albiceleste despite currently nursing an injury that has seen him miss several games for Inter Miami. Now, an ESPN pundit has suggested that the situation is similar to when David Beckham played for LA Galaxy during his playing days in the MLS after a run of poor results that could result in no playoffs.

Messi has been on the sidelines for five of Inter Miami’s last six games, after coming off as a substitute against Toronto in the 37th minute. In turn, the Miami club has seen a poor run of form without their captain and talisman, and faces uncertainty about qualification for the playoffs. In a recent interview, Herculez Gomez likened the situation to Miami owner David Beckham’s loan move and injury struggles while he was playing for LA Galaxy.

ESPN pundit draws parallels between Lionel Messi and David Beckham surrounding injury and potential loan move

Speaking on ESPN FC’s podcast, pundit Herculez Gomez suggested that Lionel Messi’s predicament at Inter Miami could play out in a similar vein to Miami owner Beckham when he was playing in the MLS should Miami not qualify for the playoffs. On the show, Gomez said, “Can I ask a question? What happened last time there was a massive international star that caused uproar and tickets and fans and sponsors and he had an early exit in the regular season, no playoffs, what happened to that star? Where did he go? Do you remember?”

When Gomez was asked who he was talking about, he replied, “David Beckham…. What’s going to happen when Messi realizes he’s not playing for three to four months? Is he going to be okay with it? Or we’re going to see a situation where he goes on loan? Because when Beckham went on loan, what happened? He got injured.”

However, as per recent reports, Inter Miami boss Tata Martino suggested that Messi was “close” to returning to the Miami club.

Also Read: Injured Lionel Messi’s ‘Non-Negotiable’ Decision Revealed as Inter Miami Boss Tata Martino Admits ‘Club Is Aware of That’

Messi close to return for Inter Miami says manager Tata Martino

Shortly after Miami’s loss 4-1 loss to Chicago in the MLS, Inter Miami boss Tata Martino spoke to the media regarding Messi’s return.

The Inter Miami gaffer was quoted saying, “Lio is closer to playing again. We will evaluate tomorrow and Friday to see if he is fit,” as reported by journalist José Armando.

Inter Miami face FC Cincinnati next. However, with the games for Argentina coming up, perhaps Messi could avoid playing for Miami altogether in order to be fit enough to play for his country, despite Tata Martino’s comments. At the moment though, things remain uncertain, but it’s apparent that Messi’s injury situation has diluted the impact he has had in America since his move to the MLS.

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